Legislation would help workers upgrade their skills and help communities create jobs and build infrastructure
WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the American Worker and Community Assistance Act (S.2742) to help transition workers and communities to meet the needs of a clean energy economy. The legislation would provide job training and support to workers and would also help communities adapt to a changing economy.
“There is tremendous potential in clean energy technology and manufacturing, but we must give workers the skills to succeed and employers must have access to a skilled workforce,” said Senator Casey. “Legislation being considered by Congress to combat global warming can reduce our dependence on foreign energy, increase our security and create a better world for our children. However, we also have a responsibility to our workers, industries and communities who may be affected by the shift in the economy.”
Senator Casey’s bill would protect workers and communities during the transition that could be sparked as a result of climate legislation by providing assistance encompassing job training assistance, wage replacement and health benefits replacement. This bill would be especially supportive of Pennsylvania workers who may be employed in the coal or energy-intensive manufacturing industries. The program is intended to pay for itself and not add to the deficit.
AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka said: "I want to thank Senator Casey for his important work on this issue. It is essential that workers and communities impacted by climate change policy be provided with the tools to transition into the new clean energy economy and the millions of new jobs that stand to be created."
Workers who are negatively impacted by efforts to reduce global warming pollution will have the opportunity to apply as individuals or as a group for job training and other benefits. The program provides temporary income support to workers who experience economic dislocation due to climate change policy. That income support may continue for a maximum of 156 weeks – enough time for workers to go back to school and get additional academic or vocational education to assist them with finding employment that provides decent, family-sustaining wages and benefits. Workers receiving assistance through this program would not receive traditional unemployment benefits, thus saving states the cost of paying for those benefits.
The training programs will be oriented towards the development of skills related to the rehabilitation of environmentally troubled areas and the new renewable and efficient energy sectors promoted in the legislation.
Workers in the following industries would be eligible: (i) energy producing and transforming industries; (ii) industries dependent upon energy industries; (iii) energy-intensive manufacturing industries; (iv) consumer goods manufacturing, including appliance manufacturing and transportation equipment manufacturing; and (v) other industries identified by the Secretary.
When a group of workers have been certified as being eligible for the benefits described above based on the level of per capita income of the community and the extent of underemployment in the community, the community may then submit a petition to be certified. If approved, they may apply for a grant to develop a strategic plan to foster economic growth. If the strategic plan is approved, the community may apply to the Fund for resources to pay for approved projects and training programs.
The American Worker and Community Assistance Act is cosponsored by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH).
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